| Mike Pauling Named 2003 "M.Z. Andy Gump" Award Recipient |
Criteria also includes that the recipient has worked to improve the image of the industry, introducing innovative
approaches to portable sanitation needs, and creating new products, services and related technology. In addition the
recipient is required to be known as one that leads colleagues in the advancement of the portable sanitation industry
and exhibits vision in responding to economic and environmental challenges facing the industry.
The award is presented and sponsored by Andy Gump Inc., based in Santa Clarita, California. Barry Gump, a
second generation operator presents the award in honor of his father Andy Gump, who was a pioneer in the
portable restroom business, beginning his venture building wood units in his garage in 1956. “It depicts the way my
dad did business,” explains Barry, adding “A hand shake was his word and bond and he didn’t need a contract or
piece of paper to seal the deal.”
It has always been an emotional moment as Barry names the recipient and this year spurred the same. “Mike
Paulings selection represents everything the “M.Z. Andy Gump” Award stands for,” stated Barry, adding “Few
have dedicated themselves to the advancement of the Portable Sanitation Association International with more
conviction and dedication. Mikes seventeen years on the PSAI Board speaks volumes for the contributions he has
made to our industry.”
“I feel very happy,” said Mike, referring to the award. “I am sure everyone hopes to someday receive the award,
and although I thought I might be nominated, I surely did not expect it to be chosen this year,” he said. “I have
received more from the association than I have ever given,” explained Mike.
Long time friend and colleague Michael McCarthy of Mr. John Pittsburgh says, “Michael Pauling not only has spent
years of dedicated service in our industry, but he was a dynamic force in the restructuring of the PSAI. He has
dedicated his life to improving the portable restroom industry, and has spent more years on the PSAI Board than
most of us have been in business. When you think of great leaders in our industry, his name surely comes to mind.”
Mr. John of Pittsburgh General Manager Jeffrey Wolfarth added, “I met Mike at my first conference in Orlando
Florida in 1990. In the 12 years I have known him, I have always admired his accessibility and his willingness to
share his insights and his fearlessness to demonstrate that passion.”
Mike founded his business in 1986 having acquired an operation that had total assets of four trucks, and 200
restrooms. The operation grew through market penetration and additional acquisitions to a point this past summer
that they peaked out at 30,000 services per month. During their busy season, Biffs has topped out at 75 employees.
Pauling has been married to his wife Diana for 36 years, and has two children, Derek and Heather who came to
work at Biffs in the early nineties after graduating from college with degrees. Diana sees her husband in a special
light, explaining, “We have been best friends and dedicated teammates for 43 years. Mike is a fierce competitor,
powerful leader, and excellent coach, he is an athlete naturally drawn to the front line of battle. Mike fills himself
with passion to never give up, as long as he agrees with the vision and goals of the team he is on,” she said.
Heather, describing her dad explains, “To this day our (Derek and Heather) peers see our Dad as intimidating,
saying ‘their dad is different-don’t mess with the man’. However, beneath the brawn is a caring, sensitive and
empowering person,” Heather continued. “It is pretty cool when your dad is a superman! I always thought he could
do anything! I know that most girls feel that way about their father, but I still do to this day, because he is always
surprising me with how he adapts to my feelings. As long as he is around, I am somehow safe and well-taken care
of,” she explained. “The greatest thing is that he treats Derek and me as the competent adults we have become, that
he has helped us to become. This has opened up to a very rich friendship that goes way beyond just being related,”
she emphasized.
Depicting similar characteristic about his father, Derek, expressed, “Ever since I was a kid, I can always remember
my dad telling me that if I did my best and never gave up at whatever goal I was trying to accomplish, I couldn’t
fail. One of the biggest things he taught me was to always treat other people the way I would like to be treated.
These are two of the things that I have used as a basis for my life because it’s obviously been a successful
philosophy for my father,” explained Derek. “My father is a very hard working, honest person that has the will to
never quit until the job is done right. I am amazed every time I work on a project with him at his mental and
physical drive for success. My father is also a master at the art of sales and marketing, “ he said. “I have worked
very hard over the years working at Biffs to earn his respect. I have learned that in order to gain his respect you
must always show respect toward your peers and never be afraid to challenge others’ viewpoints. I am truly
honored not only to be a part of his team at Biffs Inc., but also to be his son.”
Diana was quick to note, “this four-member team has managed the Biffs Companies together since the late nineties.
We are very fortunate to have four strong individuals who are each gifted in very different ways. The business has
challenged us to be a more open and forgiving family. Mike’s stated dream is to become an evolved person who
shares power for the common good. In reality we believe he started living that dream from day one.”
approaches to portable sanitation needs, and creating new products, services and related technology. In addition the
recipient is required to be known as one that leads colleagues in the advancement of the portable sanitation industry
and exhibits vision in responding to economic and environmental challenges facing the industry.
The award is presented and sponsored by Andy Gump Inc., based in Santa Clarita, California. Barry Gump, a
second generation operator presents the award in honor of his father Andy Gump, who was a pioneer in the
portable restroom business, beginning his venture building wood units in his garage in 1956. “It depicts the way my
dad did business,” explains Barry, adding “A hand shake was his word and bond and he didn’t need a contract or
piece of paper to seal the deal.”
It has always been an emotional moment as Barry names the recipient and this year spurred the same. “Mike
Paulings selection represents everything the “M.Z. Andy Gump” Award stands for,” stated Barry, adding “Few
have dedicated themselves to the advancement of the Portable Sanitation Association International with more
conviction and dedication. Mikes seventeen years on the PSAI Board speaks volumes for the contributions he has
made to our industry.”
“I feel very happy,” said Mike, referring to the award. “I am sure everyone hopes to someday receive the award,
and although I thought I might be nominated, I surely did not expect it to be chosen this year,” he said. “I have
received more from the association than I have ever given,” explained Mike.
Long time friend and colleague Michael McCarthy of Mr. John Pittsburgh says, “Michael Pauling not only has spent
years of dedicated service in our industry, but he was a dynamic force in the restructuring of the PSAI. He has
dedicated his life to improving the portable restroom industry, and has spent more years on the PSAI Board than
most of us have been in business. When you think of great leaders in our industry, his name surely comes to mind.”
Mr. John of Pittsburgh General Manager Jeffrey Wolfarth added, “I met Mike at my first conference in Orlando
Florida in 1990. In the 12 years I have known him, I have always admired his accessibility and his willingness to
share his insights and his fearlessness to demonstrate that passion.”
Mike founded his business in 1986 having acquired an operation that had total assets of four trucks, and 200
restrooms. The operation grew through market penetration and additional acquisitions to a point this past summer
that they peaked out at 30,000 services per month. During their busy season, Biffs has topped out at 75 employees.
Pauling has been married to his wife Diana for 36 years, and has two children, Derek and Heather who came to
work at Biffs in the early nineties after graduating from college with degrees. Diana sees her husband in a special
light, explaining, “We have been best friends and dedicated teammates for 43 years. Mike is a fierce competitor,
powerful leader, and excellent coach, he is an athlete naturally drawn to the front line of battle. Mike fills himself
with passion to never give up, as long as he agrees with the vision and goals of the team he is on,” she said.
Heather, describing her dad explains, “To this day our (Derek and Heather) peers see our Dad as intimidating,
saying ‘their dad is different-don’t mess with the man’. However, beneath the brawn is a caring, sensitive and
empowering person,” Heather continued. “It is pretty cool when your dad is a superman! I always thought he could
do anything! I know that most girls feel that way about their father, but I still do to this day, because he is always
surprising me with how he adapts to my feelings. As long as he is around, I am somehow safe and well-taken care
of,” she explained. “The greatest thing is that he treats Derek and me as the competent adults we have become, that
he has helped us to become. This has opened up to a very rich friendship that goes way beyond just being related,”
she emphasized.
Depicting similar characteristic about his father, Derek, expressed, “Ever since I was a kid, I can always remember
my dad telling me that if I did my best and never gave up at whatever goal I was trying to accomplish, I couldn’t
fail. One of the biggest things he taught me was to always treat other people the way I would like to be treated.
These are two of the things that I have used as a basis for my life because it’s obviously been a successful
philosophy for my father,” explained Derek. “My father is a very hard working, honest person that has the will to
never quit until the job is done right. I am amazed every time I work on a project with him at his mental and
physical drive for success. My father is also a master at the art of sales and marketing, “ he said. “I have worked
very hard over the years working at Biffs to earn his respect. I have learned that in order to gain his respect you
must always show respect toward your peers and never be afraid to challenge others’ viewpoints. I am truly
honored not only to be a part of his team at Biffs Inc., but also to be his son.”
Diana was quick to note, “this four-member team has managed the Biffs Companies together since the late nineties.
We are very fortunate to have four strong individuals who are each gifted in very different ways. The business has
challenged us to be a more open and forgiving family. Mike’s stated dream is to become an evolved person who
shares power for the common good. In reality we believe he started living that dream from day one.”
The Sanitation Journal is a monthly trade publication that caters to the portable restroom industry. Each month
thousands of portable restroom operators utilize information from the Journal to aid in business decisions.
Subscribe today and make sure you never miss an issue.
thousands of portable restroom operators utilize information from the Journal to aid in business decisions.
Subscribe today and make sure you never miss an issue.
Mike Pauling of Biffs Inc., based in Minneapolis, Minnesota has been
named the “M.Z. Andy Gump” award winner for 2003. Pauling becomes
the twelfth recipient since the awards inception in 1993. Dating backwards,
past honors have gone to Dick and Mary Macialek, Peter Booth, Lothar
Vermillion, Frank Ranson, John Taylor, Mark Perry, Ed Crafton, Fred
Cutler Sr., George Harding, and Clyde Sansom.
A PSAI selection committee scours through nominees, coming from all
over the world, attempting to find the most appropriate person meeting
outlined criteria. The selection is based on the person conducting business
and personal relationships with fairness and integrity.
named the “M.Z. Andy Gump” award winner for 2003. Pauling becomes
the twelfth recipient since the awards inception in 1993. Dating backwards,
past honors have gone to Dick and Mary Macialek, Peter Booth, Lothar
Vermillion, Frank Ranson, John Taylor, Mark Perry, Ed Crafton, Fred
Cutler Sr., George Harding, and Clyde Sansom.
A PSAI selection committee scours through nominees, coming from all
over the world, attempting to find the most appropriate person meeting
outlined criteria. The selection is based on the person conducting business
and personal relationships with fairness and integrity.
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